Exploring the Noto Peninsula Beyond Hot Springs: What to See and Do While the Region Recovers

While the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, continues to rebuild after the devastating January 1, 2024 earthquake, approximately half of the hot spring inns (ryokan) remain closed as of early 2026. Yet, despite these challenges, Noto’s rich agricultural heritage, dramatic coastlines, and artisan traditions are welcoming travelers who want to support recovery through tourism. For those planning to visit this year, there are compelling experiences beyond hot springs to explore—from GIAHS-designated rice terraces and hands-on craft workshops to coastal drives and recovery-focused market visits.

If you’re looking to experience Noto’s resilience while supporting local communities, here’s your guide to what’s accessible, what to explore, and why Noto remains a meaningful destination in Japan in 2026.

1. Drive the Spectacular Coastal Routes of Noto

One of the most rewarding ways to experience the natural beauty of the Noto Peninsula is by rental car, particularly along the scenic coastal highways. The western coast road (Route 249) winds along the Sea of Japan, offering dramatic views of cliffs, rock formations, and secluded beaches. With tourism still recovering, this is an opportunity to enjoy these routes with fewer crowds.

The Noto Kongo Coast features striking rock formations including Ganmon Cave—a 15-meter-tall rock with a natural hole carved by ocean waves—and scenic spots perfect for photography enthusiasts looking to capture Japan’s rugged coastal beauty.

Critical Travel Note: Road conditions vary post-earthquake. Some areas still have bumps, alternating traffic patterns, and limited public facilities. Check current road status before departure and drive with caution, especially in northern sections.

Travel Tip: Spring and autumn provide ideal weather for coastal exploration, with clear views and comfortable temperatures for stops along the way.

2. Visit the Historic Wajima Morning Market (Relocated)

Wajima, a coastal town renowned for lacquerware craftsmanship, is home to the Wajima Morning Market, which has operated for over 1,000 years. The January 2024 earthquake and subsequent fire destroyed the original market street, but the market lives on with remarkable resilience.

Current Status (2026): The market now operates at the Power City Wai Plaza shopping center in Wajima, approximately 1 kilometer from its historic location. About 30-35 vendors maintain operations, selling fresh local seafood, produce, and traditional crafts including lacquerware. While smaller than its pre-earthquake scale, the market maintains its authentic atmosphere with vendors engaging warmly with visitors.

The original Asaichi Street site remains an empty lot as reconstruction plans develop, with hopes for a covered plaza design that will modernize while preserving tradition. Your visit directly supports vendors who lost everything in the disaster.

Travel Tip: The market operates on select days with reduced hours compared to pre-earthquake operations. Contact Wajima Tourist Information Center in advance to confirm current days and times, especially during winter months.

3. Experience GIAHS-Designated Agricultural Heritage

Noto Peninsula’s Satoyama and Satoumi landscape was designated a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in 2011—the first such designation in Japan. This recognizes the integrated socio-ecological systems where traditional farming, forestry, and fishing coexist sustainably.

Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces represent the most iconic element of this heritage. Located along the coast near Wajima, these 1,004 small rice paddies cascade down steep hillsides to the Sea of Japan. Each paddy averages just 18-20 square meters, making mechanized farming impossible—all work is done by hand using traditional methods.

Seasonal Experiences:

• Spring (April-May): Water-filled terraces create mirror-like reflections of sky and sea
• Summer: Vivid green rice plants create striking contrast against blue ocean
• Autumn (September-October): Golden harvest season with traditional rice cutting
• Winter (Mid-October to Mid-March): “Aze no Kirameki” illumination featuring 25,000 LED solar lights changing colors every 15 minutes

The Senmaida Owner System (established 2007) allows urban participants to sponsor paddies and join seasonal farming activities, directly supporting preservation of this cultural landscape.

Travel Tip: The roadside Senmaida Pocket Park offers viewing platforms, local food stalls, and parking facilities. Visit at sunrise or sunset for spectacular photography opportunities.

4. Participate in Traditional Craft Workshops

Noto’s artisan culture survived the earthquake, though many workshops were damaged. Several facilities now offer hands-on experiences that support craftspeople’s recovery:

Wajima Kobo Nagaya survived the earthquake and continues offering workshops where visitors can customize Wajima lacquerware chopsticks with gold leaf or gold dust—experiencing the centuries-old urushi (lacquer) art tradition firsthand. Meeting artisans who persevered through disaster adds profound meaning to these cultural exchanges.

Takazawa Candle in Wajima—the peninsula’s last remaining traditional Japanese candle maker—offers workshops where participants paint washi paper candles, learning techniques passed through generations. Supporting such endangered crafts through participation helps ensure their survival.

Travel Tip: Book workshops in advance, as capacity is limited and many artisans operate from temporary facilities. English-speaking assistance may be limited, but the hands-on nature transcends language barriers.

5. Drive on Japan’s Only Beach Highway

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (Chirihama Beach) offers a unique experience as the only beach in Japan where vehicles can drive directly on sand. This 8-kilometer stretch between Hakui City and Hodatsushimizu Town along the western coast provides stunning ocean views, particularly at sunset.

The firmly packed sand allows cars, buses, and motorcycles to safely traverse the shoreline, creating photo opportunities unavailable elsewhere in Japan. The beach also served as a logistics hub for earthquake recovery efforts, demonstrating its versatility beyond tourism.

Travel Tip: Check weather and tide conditions before visiting—high waves can close the driveway for safety. The best experiences occur during calm conditions with clear visibility.

6. Support Recovery Through Thoughtful Accommodation Choices

While many traditional ryokan remain closed, several have reopened with post-earthquake improvements and resilience upgrades. Staying at these inns provides authentic immersion in Japanese hospitality while directly supporting recovery. Even with limited hot spring access at some properties, the cultural experience of tatami rooms, kaiseki meals featuring local ingredients, and proprietor interactions remains meaningful.

Some properties offer reduced rates to attract visitors during recovery, making this an accessible time to experience accommodations that might otherwise be beyond budget. Properties near Wakura Onsen and Nanao City have the highest reopening rates.

Travel Tip: Contact properties directly to confirm operational status and available facilities. Many innkeepers speak some English or have translation assistance available. Booking through local tourism associations also supports coordination of regional recovery efforts.

Conclusion

Despite approximately half of hot spring inns remaining closed two years after the earthquake, the Noto Peninsula continues offering profound experiences for travelers in 2026. The region’s GIAHS-designated agricultural heritage, dramatic coastal scenery, artisan traditions, and community resilience create a destination where tourism directly supports recovery.

Visitors who focus on cultural immersion, coastal exploration, craft participation, and community engagement will discover that Noto’s essence remains intact—and that their presence makes tangible differences for people rebuilding their lives.

If you’re planning a trip to Noto, embrace the broader experience beyond traditional resort stays. Witness how communities preserve centuries-old traditions while rebuilding for the future. Your visit demonstrates that Noto’s spirit endures.

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